Technology, Productivity and Growth: U.S. and German Issues: Perspectives on a Global Economy

Measured productivity growth has been sluggish since the start of the worldwidetechnology boom. So, have computers really helped improve productivity? This report analyzes the relationship between the computer revolution and productivity growth in the United States and globally. It presents new evidence that dispels the "computer productivity paradox"—rapid investment in computers but low measured productivity growth—by looking beneath the surface of the overall economy to see the impact that computers have had on productivity. This report also considers recent productivity differences between Germany and the United States.